Torness nuclear power station to be given extended life by EDF

The life of East Lothian nuclear power station Torness is to be extended by French operator EDF energy, the firm announced in a statement on the stock market.

The plant was due for decommissioning in 2023, but that will now be extended to at least 2030, according to the energy company.

Torness provides around a quarter of Scotland’s electricity, according to operators. Hunterston B nuclear power station in North Ayrshire is due to close in 2023.

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Another three nuclear power plants in the UK are to be given an extended lifespan, but EDF also cast doubt on their investment at Hinkley point in partnership with the Chinese government.

The budget for the project in Somerset is greater than the market value of EDF, which is 85 per cent owned by the French government.

Net profits for the company slumped 68 per cent in 2015, and CEO Jean-Bernard Levy was looking at how best to finance Hinkley point in light of very low electricity wholesale market prices.

The final investment decision for Hinkley Point was left off the agenda for yesterday’s board meeting, casting doubts on its future.